Winter 2019-20
From the Heart Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County
The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter
Volume 19, Issue 2
Collaborating with Professionals for Better Results
Tri-State Consortium evaluates MPCSD writing curriculum
Mount Pleasant teachers and administrators meet with members of the TriState Consortium team in the Columbus Elementary library.
As a school district, it is important to constantly analyze and assess what you are doing right and where there is room for improvement. Successful organizations and successful school districts have a learning and growing mentality and understand there is always room for growth. With that in mind, the Mount Pleasant Central School District is a proud member of the Tri-State Consortium. The Consortium is a collaboration of high-performing school districts from Connecticut, New Jersey and New York who work together to assess and evaluate member district programs. It is designed to enhance student performance and to measure the degree to which the district is utilizing the performance data as the basis for it’s planning. Every three years, the district serves host to visiting consortium members, or “critical friends”. These colleagues conduct interviews, visit classrooms and analyze evidence to answer an “essential question” posed by the district and make recommendations for areas of improvement. The essential question is developed within each district to address a particular need. The feedback is very targeted and purposeful in helping the district reflect on current practices and develop plans for future growth. The opportunity for our elementary students to write for
their college, career and life readiness is at the center of our district’s aspirational g o a l s . Therefore, this year, Mount Pleasant asked two essential questions focused around the K-5 writing curriculum:
To what extent is the development of writing across genres clearly articulated and aligned both within and between grade levels? To what extent does our curriculum address, and do our students demonstrate a command of, the conventions of academic English when writing? The first question looks to investigate whether children are having similar
experiences across different classes in the same grade and if their writing skills are transferring across subjects. As Dr. Adam Bronstein, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Administrative Services, explains, “Education, for various reasons, can be an isolated field. It’s hard to find time for teachers to collaborate. We wanted to gauge where we were along the continuum of teacher isolation to teacher collaboration. That’s paramount.” The second question explores the extent to which the curriculum focuses on writing conventions such as syntax, grammar, sentence structure and punctuation. Up until recently, the writing curriculum was based on the successful Teacher’s College (TC) model. The TC writing workshop is a studentcentered framework for teaching writing that is based on the idea that students learn to write best when they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. As we have moved toward the New York State Next Generation learning standards, the writing conventions are taught as Continued on page 2
Mark Your Calendars! WhS presents
March 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8 p.m., March 22 at 1 p.m.
JS Whearty Theater at Westlake HS
August 12 and 13, 2020 For students currently in 6th through 9th grade For more information visit www.mtplcsd.org/steam
From the Heart • Winter 2019-20
The Future is Bright
Happy New Year! The new calendar year indicates that we have reached the midpoint of our 2019-2020 school year. As we are rapidly moving through this year, I want to share some updates on matters that the district has been working on to address and improve our programs for students in the community. In December, the district engaged in a critical review of our elementary writing program conducted Kurtis Kotes, by the Tri-State Consortium of Schools. Highly Ed.D. qualified district officials and teachers from NY, Superintendent NJ and Connecticut visited with and interviewed teachers, administrators, parents, BOE members, and students during the three day data collection process. The district has received a 45 page report with potential recommendations and commendations which I will review with key stakeholders. These recommendations will help us make calculated, data driven decisions upon which we can carefully form an action plan to strengthen and improve our instructional practices in writing throughout the district. At WHS, Mr. Schenker was asked to engage with groups of students, teachers and parents to discuss possible next steps in regards to implementation of the International Baccalaureate Program, Advanced Placement Capstone Project, and expansion of college in the high school experiences. Mr. Schenker held informational sessions where he explained to attendees information surrounding each option while
simultaneously soliciting feedback from the group. The results and possibilities will be discussed with the CIAC and a final recommendation will be made to the Superintendent for planning purposes for the 2020-2021 budget. At its January meeting, the BOE formally adopted a bond proposal for capital improvement work, designed to improve the athletic field conditions on the Westlake Campus. The proposed scope of work will have positive impact for all of our facilities and allow both for our physical education classes and our athletic program to have more predictable and safer access to our fields. Weather conditions have greatly inhibited the ability of our students to have regular and consistent opportunity to access the fields. Please visit our website to view more on the proposed scope of work for the campus. The Board of Education has set a March 31, 2020 date for the public to vote on this proposition. It is a great time to be a Wildcat. As a school community, we continue to stay focused on listening closely to the voices of our community while trying to merge that with best practice in education. Working together, we stay committed to ensuring high quality education and opportunities for the students of the Mount Pleasant Community. Sincerely,
Tri-State Visit Continued from page 1
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stand-alone lessons as opposed to being embedded in the writing process. As a district, we want to make sure we are incorporating the best of both strategies. An authentic assessment of how we are doing as a district only comes as a result of giving valid information to the Tri-State team. Administration and teachers worked tirelessly in the months preceding the visit to gather more than 200 artifacts, including writing samples, lesson plans and any pieces of evidence that would speak to the two questions. After the three day visit, which included an informative meeting with Board Members Michael Horan and Christopher Pinchiaroli discussing the Board’s commitment to maintaining relevant, rigorous and ageappropriate curriculums for each grade level, as well as numerous additional interviews, and 15 hours of reviewing documents, the consultation group praised the leadership and staff in Mount Pleasant, “The district is on the
cusp of major critically important work that it is willing and eager to tackle. Talented leaders and talented faculty members are committed and poised to move forward.” While the district still awaits the official analysis and recommendations from the Consortium, several suggestions were made in the debriefing session at the end of the three days. Developing a shared philosophy of K-5 writing, creating a repository for digital portfolios allowing for teachers to follow a student’s work throughout the years, and holding articulation meetings, specifically for writing, between teachers as students move to the next grade were a few ideas that were touched upon. Dr. Bronstein and the rest of his staff will consider the recommendations very seriously. “The Tri-State at its core is about growing and developing as a school and as a district. The more we have teachers and administrators that have that growth mentality, the better we will be as a district. ”
Judges Needed! Calling all medical and mental health professionals, biochemists, pharmacists, engineers, environmentalists, veterinarians computer scientists and anyone with scientific knowledge! Please consider helping local high school students from our school and our region by volunteering as a judge for the Regeneron Westchester & Putnam Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, March 21st at Sleepy Hollow HS. Register at
http://wesefreg.org/judges/
Vote Set for March 31, 2020
What is Proposed?
A $9,085,366 bond for field improvements on the Westlake Campus.
The district is proposing a $9,085,366 bond for field improvements. It is designed to improve conditions for competition, education and recreation. The proposed scope of work will allow for more predictable and safer use of our fields for students and community members alike.
What is the Proposed Scope of Work?
Field A - Main Competition Field and Track Installation of artificial turf Addition of endzones for Track & Field events Full track resurfacing Scoreboard LED field lighting Press box New goals for football, soccer and lacrosse Field B - “The Patch” Excavation of land to create regulation size field Installation of sand-slit drainage and irrigation Scoreboard New goals for football and soccer Athletic safety netting and equipment Field C - Upper Field Create regulation size field Installation of sand-slit drainage and irrigation Scoreboard Athletic safety netting and equipment
How Much Will It Cost me? Total Cost to Community* Principal Amount $9.085M Interest Expense $3.614M Less: NY State Building Aid ($3.769M) Total Cost to Taxpayers $8.930M * All figures are estimated based on current information. Final interest expense and building aid are subject to market conditions and NYS school aid determinations. Interest rates assume a 1-yr BAN and a 16-year bond.
From the Heart • Winter 2019-20
Board Gives Go-Ahead on Field Referendum
Field D - Varsity Softball Field Installation of irrigation Addition of dugouts, bullpen, backstops Field E and F - Baseball/ Softball Fields Installation of sand-slit drainage and irrigation Addition of dugouts, bullpen, backstops Replace Field E infield clay Installation of concrete pad, cage and backstop for Track & Field events
Average Annual Tax Rate:
Average Homeowner Tax Impact:
$12.81 per $1,000 of Assessed Value
$106.30 per year
Assumed average market value of $584,507
Where Can I find more info? For more information and to view presentations on the proposed scope of work, please scan the barcode at right or visit our website at: www.mtplcsd.org/2020_Field_Improvement_Referendum Or join us at upcoming Board of Education meetings on March 11, 2020 or March 18, 2020
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From the Heart • Winter 2019-20
A Path to Productivity
Most teachers don’t encourage students running, jumping and skipping through the hallways, but sometimes that is just what their young students need! At Hawthorne, several teachers have discovered that letting students get their wiggles out, in a controlled way, makes them calmer and more prepared to get down to the business of learning. This fall kindergarten teachers Mary Schoener and Deborah Kurlander, along with Occupational Therapist Joellyn Finck, spent time cutting, peeling and pasting stickers outside their classroom and throughout the halls. The stickers, generously funded by the Mount Pleasant Education Foundation, are part of a Sensory Path specifically designed to help kids develop motor skills like balance, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. The colorful, interactive stickers are laid out in a purposeful way to allow children to jump, tip-toe, squat and push against the wall as they go through the course. “If a kid needs a break, we can give them that opportunity.” Mrs. Schoener explains. “We spent time really showing them what to do. When we say run the hallway, they complete each step. The kids are loving it. Even the young ones really understand how to only use it when they really need it.”
According to Mrs. Finck the Sensory Path enhances children’s proprioception, which is the sense of self-movement and body position. It is sometimes described as the “sixth sense” and can help enhance vision, hand-writing, or just sitting in chair. “It kind of centers you a bit and makes you aware of where your body is in space.” When a few kindergartners were asked what they thought about the new set up in the hallway, the response was enthusiastic. “I like pushing down on the walls. It makes me feel strong.” said one girl. Her classmate enthused, “I would really like it if it was a path all around the whole school!” One boy admitted, “It makes me a little tired.” In this day and age of electronics, be they for education or for relaxation, there’s not a lot of imaginary play left for children. This helps them reignite that imagination and can serve as a great “brain break” throughout the school day.
Budding Scientists On January 16th, Columbus fifth grade students hosted the Seventh Annual Science Fair. The science fair is an exciting event that encourages students to think like young scientists. With dozens of fantastic displays, it was difficult to pick the winners, but the following projects were voted the favorites: Most Surprising Results: Maddie Sergeant & Lauren Vinci Spotless Situation Most Useful Information: Genevieve Livoti & Bella Pastilha Roses are Red…Violets are Blue. Which daisy will look like new? Best Overall Experiment: Lizzy McCluskey & Valerie Rufo Germ Busters
Engaging Young Minds
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There’s an old adage that states “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” There’s no substitute for hands-on experience when trying to acquire new skills that last far beyond the lesson. Students learn best when they have a chance to engage, explore and discover the answers themselves. That is exactly what STEMscopes, the new elementary science curriculum, aims to do. The program increases engagement by fostering inquiry, encouraging exploration and challenging students to explain the world around them. Teachers support the lessons with videos, music, printed material and a plethora of online resources. Suzanne Ketchum, third grade teacher and science curriculum leader
at Columbus, says her students are motivated and enthusiastic about the new program. Instead of starting a lesson by lecturing on a topic, teachers get the students interested with a “hook”, an activity or essential question, which encourages discussion and exploration. Students learn through exploration and incorporate skills that scientists use in the real world, such as observing, inferring, predicting, classifying, and evaluating. It gets the students to really think about what they are trying to solve. Ms. Ketchum has been thrilled with the response of the students and says, “They thoroughly enjoy the online components and will ask to do these activities when they have “choice” time.” The demand for STEM/STEAM skills is ever increasing. STEMscopes
helps prepare students with the skills and knowledg e that will last a lifetime. H a n d s on, inquiry based learning is student-centered and allowing students to actually get their “hands dirty” helps them to better understand the true meaning behind the content that they are being taught.
She is known as the “Cool Thing Czar” - Dr. Maryam Ashoori, an international inventor and researcher from the IBM Watson Research Center is no stranger to Westlake. As part of an Engineering Residency Grant awarded to Mary Knopp, Janet Matthews and Ken Amann from the Teacher Center of Central Westchester, Dr. Ashoori shared her experiences developing Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Human Computer Interaction with the Engineering and Design classes at Westlake High School, co-taught by Claudia Abate and Dan Clarke. Focusing on a day in the life of an engineer, Dr. Ashoori challenged students with a “Design Thinking” exercise to re-design the Westlake lunch experience. Students broke out into groups and interviewed each other to determine what are the biggest challenges of the current design. The groups then had to brainstorm ideas to solve these challenges and finally present their solutions to the rest of the class. Every idea presented from food trucks to delivery messengers to conveyor belts followed the steps of the design process Dr. Ashoori uses at IBM. While the students didn’t actually get to the point of implementing their
From the Heart • Winter 2019-20
Engineer in Residence
changes, after this exercise, they had a deeper understanding of what it takes to be an engineer. One student remarked, “The design process doesn’t just happen overnight. Good work takes time to complete. Do not be frustrated by failing because Dr. Ashoori talks to engineering students about the design process. it can help you.” career options. Ideally, students will Students learned the importance of connect this residency to academic patience, persistence and an open mind course work and electives to continue in order to be successful, and they had their exploration of STEAM. As a lot of fun in the process. part computer scientist, part user One goal of the grant is to have experience analyst, and part interface students work with a professional artist, Dr. Ashoori shared her journey in the field, experience practical and gave students a vision of the application of STEAM subjects future. and be knowledgeable about related
5 Stages of the Design Process ASK: What is the problem? How have others approached it? What are your constraints? IMAGINE: What are some solutions? Brainstorm ideas. PLAN: Draw a diagram. Make lists of materials you will need. CREATE: Follow your plan and create something. Test it out! IMPROVE: What works? What doesn’t?
IB@WMS
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) is an approach to learning that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. Westlake Middle School students are engaged in activities that develop active, compassionate and lifelong learners. While striving for grades is an important way of measuring success, it is important to balance this with a focus on the positive impact that learning experiences have on motivation and preparation for college, career, and life. Teaching within the IB framework helps with: Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Developing International Awareness
Students are encouraged to be risktakers who are not afraid to take on challenges, but also to be reflective and mindful about what they have learned from their experiences. They regularly practice asking themselves thoughtful questions. How do you work in a community? How do you push yourself to the best of your ability? What else can you do as a person to improve yourself ? Being reflective in their everyday actions goes a long way to developing young students into happy, productive members of society.
At Westlake Middle School, students have the opportunity to go global without going anywhere. Teachers are bringing the larger world to WMS through language, technology, and hands-on research. Whether it’s learning the international language of coding in tech class, studying the environmental consequences of using synthetic products in Chemistry or interacting with globe-trotting guest speakers in Social Studies, students are learning that their actions have an affect on the larger world.
Promoting a Common Language Every teacher in every subject throughout the middle school years uses a common language which ingrains the concepts that are most important in the IB education. Using the IB Learner profile terms over and over throughout the students’ time at WMS ensures that the lessons learned become a part of who they are. Teachers consistently encourage students to be open-minded, principled, risk-takers who will take responsibility for themselves and the 5 world around them.
From the Heart • Winter 2019-20
Congratulations to …
Scholarship Winner
Congratulations to Niko Dominguez, the winner of the 20th annual Aimee Braun Travel/ Study Award. The $1000 scholarship is given to a student who gives of themselves in the same way that Aimee did. Niko is described by teachers and peers as upstanding, hardworking, and genuine. He is a member of both the Thornwood Fire Jr. Corp. and the Pleasantville Ambulance Jr. Corp. Niko also spends time working for the Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation office and for the WHS Stage Crew. During any production in the Whearty theater, you will find him in the control booth making sure the sound and lights are running smoothly. Niko hopes to continue his passion for theater design/technology in college next year. Congratulations, Niko!
Student Ambassador
Sophomore Jessica Mota was chosen as this year’s Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Student Ambassador. One sophomore is chosen each year to represent Westlake at a three-day HOBY Leadership Seminar to be held in June at Adelphi University. Jessica will participate in leadership skill development with other sophomores from New York State. She was nominated by members of the faculty for her outstanding leadership, positive attitude, sensitivity to others and excellent communication skills.
Lions Club Students of the Month
Julia Behring, Matt Bonsignore and Paul Gschneider have been chosen as “Thornwood Lions Club Student of the Month” for November, December and January respectively. Students are chosen for putting “service above self.” The seniors were nominated by their teachers and guidance counselors who cited exceptional service to their school and/ or community. The students of the month are recognized at a Lions Club dinner in their honor.
Photography Awards
Photo by E. Salvi
Chris Alberti ‘20, Alyssa Bange ‘21, and Emily Salvi ‘20 were awarded a National Award of Excellence in Photography. Their work was selected among thousands of Photo by A. Bange entries for the “wrk x fmly” student photography contest. The students were challenged to show the impact of work on family, and vice versa, through the eyes of a young person. Only about 10% of the photographers had their work selected out of 1000’s of entries. Other WHS students who received Honorable Mentions for their work included: Olivia D’Andrea, Kyra Earley, Jack Panzarella, Stephen Rush, Emily Specht, and Ciara Summers.
It’s been a great start to the year!
Colleen Scaglione Neglia BOE President
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Photo by C. Alberti
Happy New Year! It has been a great first half of the school year and we are looking forward to many more exciting events planned for the rest of the winter and spring. At the BoE meeting on January 22nd, the Board passed a resolution to put a funding proposition to the voters on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The proposed $9 million bond, equates to a $106 annual increase for the average household. The funds will be used for improvements to our district’s athletic fields, track and facilities. More information will be mailed to residents in February and can be discussed at our February board meetings. In the Fall, the Board attended many events in our district and was able to witness the positive work taking place in our schools. We had the opportunity to celebrate our students’ talents in winter concert performances, sporting events, and at various Honor Society inductions. At Hawthorne kids are using the sensory path, an interactive “obstacle course” generously funded through a grant from the Education Foundation. Columbus came alive with multiple celebration of learning events, including the 5th grade science fair where our young scientists enthusiastically demonstrated their science acumen
Top Musicians
Each year the top musicians in the county vie for a spot in the Westchester County School Music Association All-County Music Festival. Musicians selected for the festival are invited to perform in an advanced large ensemble with other Westchester students under the direction of a guest conductor. This year’s Elementary and Intermediate All-County performances will be held in March at SUNY Purchase. Students are chosen for the All-County ensembles based on the results of a NYSSMA festival solo evaluation or All-County auditions at which a solo, scales and sight reading is performed. The following student were among the highest scorers in the 2019 evaluations and were selected to perform in March: Elementary All-County Band: Isabelle Chacko (Flute), Jason Chiera (Clarinet), Tycho Force (Tuba), Giuliana Malaj (Baritone), GianMarco Miraglia (Tenor Saxophone), JT Nichols (Alto Saxophone), Gabriella Segarra (Bass Clarinet), Regina Sica (Clarinet), Jozsef Varadi (Trumpet), Oliver Wu (Clarinet) Intermediate All-County Band & Orchestra: Adam Cartano (Baritone), Michael Clarke (Trombone), Joseph Miele (Cello), Javier Wurster (French Horn) High School Area All State: Olivia Cartano (Trombone), Ellie Pagan (Mixed Chorus), Sera Mishra (Women’s Chorus), Valentina Rubio (Women’s Chorus), Pranav Vadapalli (Trombone)
and creativity. The Board was also fortunate to meet with students from the Middle School and High School Principal Leadership advisory groups to gain a better understanding into the ideas our students have that can improve their educational, social and emotional experiences at school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community members who have volunteered for the Citizens Budget Advisory Committees. They have started to review the district’s needs and recommend areas to improve. Their valuable input is greatly appreciated so that we can create a fiscally responsible 2020-21 budget that continues to support our current programs and focus on important student initiatives. In addition, the PTA’s, Ed Foundation and the Athletic Club are busy at work raising funds for the students and athletes. Please consider joining these organizations or attending one of their many fun events. As you may have heard, BoE member Mrs. Maria Jost has decided to resign from her position on the Board. We would like to thank Mrs. Jost for her many years of service both as a board member and invaluable community volunteer. Wishing you all good health and happiness in 2020!
Fifty-eight juniors and seniors were inducted into Westlake High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society in a ceremony on January 7, 2020. Surrounded by friends and family, newly inducted students took the oath to uphold the ideals of the nearly 100 year old organization. Inductees must have a minimum cumulative average of 88 percent and have demonstrated exemplary leadership, character and service. Lauren Abate Angelica Alvarez Stefano Ammaturo Ashley Avella Ariel Babich Alyssa Bange Phoebe Barnes Olivia Barnett Alessandra Blasone Lynn Cappa Elisabeth Carpinelli Olivia Cartano Richard Clarke Jonathan Clemente Ryan Cowles
Connor Cronin Carter Falkenberg Nicholas Farrell Sophia Garritano Nina Grosso Alyssa Gutierrez James Hudson Kristin Iannucci Zachary Katzman Olivia Lembo Patrick Lilly Samanatha Lubart Vito Malaj Abbey Martin Grace Martin
College Advice En Español
Brandon Martinez Thomas Marto Aileen McCarthy Alicia McCarvill Emma Milo Daniella Moschetta Nicholas Mulvey James Murray Matthew Mynes Evan O’Brien Alessia Pellegrini Marco Petrillo Joseph Piazza Julie Pinchiaroli Rachel Raguso
Deanna Reynolds Stephanie Rosenberg Emily Salvi Elisabeth Schulze Maeve Sheehan Amanda Smyth Rain Spearman Noah Tarchoun Lily Tobiasen Pranav Vadapalli Jillian Walpole Mia Williams Jhonatan Yunga
From the Heart • Winter 2019-20
58 New Members Inducted to National Honor Society
English Honor Society Adds Six Six new members were inducted in the prestigious English Honor Society on December 12, 2019. Inductees who have demonstrated English mastery, have had three articles published and have participated in literacy outreach are: Angelica Alvarez Phoebe Barnes Olivia Cartano
Every fall, Westlake High School Guidance Department plays host to a number of college representatives. For the class of 2020, more than 100 colleges from 15 states were invited to speak with potential students. These visits are a great opportunity for high school students to learn more about the application process and the programs offered at multiple schools all without leaving Westlake. There are some students, however, who aren’t able to take advantage of speaking with the representatives when they are on campus. Karyn Palladino, a teacher at Westlake High School, works with a group of students whose primary language is Spanish. Students in her English as a New Language (ENL) class meet with her on a daily basis and attend core classes with their peers. In many cases, these students are new to the country and because of the language barrier they haven’t considered attending college after leaving Westlake. For this reason, Mrs. Palladino and Tina Matusiak, a counselor at WHS for 25 years, decided to invite a representative that could inspire these students to pursue higher education. Mr. Andres Carpio from Westchester Community College spoke with Mrs. Palladino’s students (in Spanish) about the benefits of obtaining a college degree. He explained the simple process of applying and discussed different forms of financial aid and scholarships. He convinced many in the room that the path to greater opportunities in the United States often comes from having more education. The enthusiastic response from the students made it clear that they understood completely.
Arianna Muratore Samantha Lubart Brandon Martinez
Spanish Honor Society Inducts 24 The Lazarillo de Tormes chapter of the WHS Spanish Honor Society is a national high school organization which recognizes high-achieving Spanish language students in advanced level classes. Twenty-four new members were inducted on December 18, 2019. Induction is based on Spanish scholarship, cultural leadership and integrity. New members are:
Angelica Alvarez Alessandra Blasone Olivia Cartano Kyra Earley Alyssa Gutierrez Aimee Holland James Hudson Alaura Hurdis Kristin Iannucci Samantha Lubart Brandon Martinez Aileen McCarthy
Kaitlyn McGuinness Marilyn Morocho Daniella Moschetta Evan O’Brien Alessia Pellegrini Arianna Pellegrini Julie Pinchiaroli Deanna Reynolds Stephanie Rosenberg Julian Thur Pranav Vadapalli Jhonathan Yung
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From the Heart • Winter 2019-20
Save the Dates
2020-21 Budget Presentations March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Budget Overview and Non-Instructional Budget
March 18 at 8 p.m. Instructional Budget
Both presentations will be held in the Westlake library
Mount Pleasant Central School District
Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid White Plains, NY Permit No. 9415
West Lake Drive, Thornwood, NY 10594
Board of Education Colleen Scaglione Neglia, President Laura Michalec Olszewski, Vice President Vincent Graci Michael Griffin Michael Horan Chris Pinchiaroli Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes Correspondence Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Web: www.mtplcsd.org Editor/email contributions Alyson Walsh/awalsh@mtplcsd.org
Wildcat News … Fall Season Recap Cross Country
Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Matthew Mysliwiec Post-Season/Sectional Results: 5th Place in Section 1, League 3A 11 athletes qualified for sectional state qualifiers. College Bound: Christopher Pagan Misericordia University Football
(5-4)
Coach: John Castellano, Assts. Jose St.Victor, Scott Reynolds Post-Season Results: Advanced to Sectional Semi-Finals Exceptional Senior All Star Game: Jason Ausiello, Nicholas Martinez Journal News Team Honorable Mention: Nicholas Martinez All-Section: Nicholas Martinez All-Section Honorable Mention: Jason Ausiello, Steven Ojeda, Matthew Sardo All-League: Jason Ausiello, Gregory Cafaro, Andrew Llamas, Nicholas Martinez, Steven Ojeda, Joseph Piazza, Matthew Sardo Boys Soccer
(6-10)
Coach: Joe Callagy, Asst. John Modena Post-Season Results: Advanced to 1st round of playoffs. All-Section: Gerry Cicchillo All-Section Honorable Mention: Frank Shkreli All-League: Gerry Cicchillo, Alex Guaman, Isaiah Ortiz Girls Soccer (9-3-6) Scholar Athlete Team Coaches: Kurt Thomas, Claire Yergeau Post-Season Results: Advanced to quarter-finals. All-Section: Jackie Andrews All-League: Jackie Andrews, Nicole Karaqi, Riley Neglia, Giuliana Piazza, Maeve Sheehan All Tournament Team: Nicole Karaqi, Riley Neglia
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Keep on Running!
Congratualtions to Christopher Pagan ‘20, for his great finish in the 2019 Philadelphia Marathon. Chris, who competes in Track & Field and Cross Country for Westlake HS, was insprired by his father after watching him run the same race. After competing in several half marathons throughout high school, Chris’ goal was to run a full marathon before he graduated. This November, he traveled to Philly and ran alongside about 16,000 others despite the 33-degree, rainy weather. He completed the course in 4:33:52. Chris loved the experience and remarked, “I ran the race to prove to myself and anyone around me that with enough hard work, anything can be done.” Chris will be heading back to Pennsylvania next year where he will continue his running career at Misericordia University. Volleyball
Coach of the Year
Kudos to WHS Girls Varsity Soccer coach Kurt Thomas for being named NYSHSAA Coach of the Year. Mr. Thomas has been coaching the Lady Wildcats for three years and has taken the team to post-season each year. Before taking over at WHS, he spent many years coaching soccer, basketball and softball in multiple districts. When not coaching, Mr. Thomas can be found inspiring the next generation of athletes in his physical education classes at Hawthorne.
Athletic Administrative Assistant of the Year
Congratulations to Michelle Kopicki for being selected for the Judith A. Martens Secretarial Award of Excellence for Section One. This award is presented to a secretary of an athletic administrator who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to athletics at the local level for a minimum of five years. Mrs. Kopicki came to Mount Pleasant in 2004 and joined the athletic department nearly ten years ago where she manages the busy sports schedule, always with a smile. (6-10)
Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Carmen Bates, Asst. Gina Perino Post-Season Results: Advanced to Semi-Finals All-Section Honorable Mention: Stacie Kinlin All-League: Stacie Kinlen Girls Swim/Dive (8-2) Scholar Athlete Team Coaches: David Bruskewicz, Anthony Pizzolla Post-Season Results: 3rd at League Meet, 5th in Section 1
Cheerleading
Coach: Lauren Buffamante UCA All American Cheerleaders: Gianna Agosto, Madelyn Davis, Alexa Kalle, Alyssa Sestito, Giulia Sinapi, Chloe Vigilio, Aileen Walsh 1st in Division at “Game Day Cheer” Sectional Competition, 1st Place at Walter Panas Competition, 1st Place at Fall Sectionals